Gold Stars (Crocidium multicaule)

Lyle Cherry Orchard, Columbia Gorge, WA , 2/2015.

These charming members of the aster family, and the senecio (groundsel) tribe, bloom in early spring, usually in large groups. Each long stem contains a single flower, usually with eight (or sometimes nine) petals. Michael Charters, on calflora.net, explains that the botanical name, Crocidium, comes from the Greek, meaning “a flock or nap on woolen cloth”, referring to a tiny bit of hair on the leaf axils. The leaves themselves are alternate, barely toothed, and have a thickness similar to succulents such as iceplants.